After years of going through all kinds of skincare products, you’re probably familiar with most of their ingredients. But what do you know about bakuchiol?
Though the plant-based ingredient isn’t as well-known as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, its benefits shouldn’t be overlooked.
Here, I’ll explore the potential of bakuchiol as a treatment for rosacea, and I’ll include other treatment options you may want to try first.
I’ve previously suffered with rosacea over a number of years, so I feel like I’ve tested all the skincare ingredients and products out there! Here’s what I think about bakuchiol for rosacea.
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An Overview of Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is often known as the gentler alternative to retinol. It’s a plant-based ingredient that’s extracted from the Psoralea corylifolia plant.
It’s widely used in skin care products because it has solid anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties.
Though the vegan ingredient is associated with treating many skin issues, it’s commonly used to combat aging skin activity instead of retinol because it’s gentler on the skin.
Retinol is known for its potential to irritate skin or cause redness. That’s where bakuchiol comes in.
The Benefits of Bakuchiol
Who would’ve thought a vegan ingredient could hold that much power in the skincare industry?
Though bakuchiol isn’t as widely known as other skincare ingredients, it packs a bunch of benefits:
- It boosts collagen production, specifically Type I and VII. By doing that, it reduces skin sagging and gives it a youthful glow. Besides, bakuchiol stimulates cell turnover, making a place for new cells to grow and giving your skin a radiant glow.
- It reverses aging effects, especially photoaging, which results from sun exposure. Not only that, but it also makes the skin firmer and soothes redness and itching.
- It neutralizes free radicals because of its antioxidant properties, preventing premature aging and skin cell damage.
Bakuchiol for Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition, especially for people with light skin complexions. It causes inflammation and redness, and its symptoms may be a bit similar to acne.
Bakuchiol has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may help soothe your skin and reduce the redness associated with rosacea.
However, treating rosacea symptoms isn’t one of its common uses. It’s usually used to reverse aging effects.
Personally, I’m not convinced about using it for rosacea, and I’d suggest consulting your dermatologist before trying it yourself.
Other Treatments for Rosacea
The fact that bakuchiol isn’t the correct treatment for rosacea doesn’t mean there isn’t a load of alternatives.
Here’s a roundup of FDA-approved treatments for the pustules and pumps caused by the skin condition:
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is FDA-approved as a topical treatment for the inflammatory papules caused by rosacea.
You can get a prescription for it or buy a product that contains the acid as its main ingredient.
For example, the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is known for its soothing, lightweight formula that leaves your skin feeling all soft.
Read my guide to choosing between azelaic acid or niacinamide.
Topical Metronidazole
Like azelaic acid, topical metronidazole treats the inflammatory pumps that grow on your skin as a result of rosacea.
You can get it in various forms, including cream, gel, and even lotion.
You usually only need to apply it once or twice a day to soothe your skin, but it’s always better to consult your dermatologist first.
Final Thoughts
Bakuchiol isn’t a common treatment for rosacea, but it has plenty of other benefits. It can prevent premature aging, boost collagen production, and stimulate cell turnover.
It’s often used as an alternative to retinol, which is known for its potential to irritate your skin.
Do you have any go-to treatments for rosacea? Let me know in the comments below!